And the chairman praised the work of the manager, the players and the staff - and added that he hoped it acts as the catalyst to a highly successful summer.

He said: “My congratulations go to John Peacock, his staff and the whole U17 squad.

"It is a terrific achievement to be crowned champions of Europe at their age group and it was thoroughly deserved after their performances in Malta.

"For the lads to keep their nerve from the penalty spot when it mattered most shows great maturity and bodes well for the future.

"This is a fantastic lift at the start of another busy summer for Club England, with great progress being made throughout our development structure.

"At the elite end, our senior men are up and running with their pre-World Cup training camp in Portugal and the senior women are well on the way to their World Cup after six wins out of six so far in qualifying.''